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New leaf turned by Moss

A newfound confidence and commitment might be the recipe for success for the Denver Broncos’ Jarvis Moss.

The 2007 first-round pick from Florida made the transition from defensive end to outside linebacker last season. A transition that in the long run should suit Moss.

“Well compared to last season, it’s day and night. This spring I really nailed it down. I still got a longs ways to go,” Moss said.

Moss said he feels more comfortable at outside linebacker, which has allowed him to add his own little twists at the position. He said that playing linebacker is something that he should have been doing when he first entered the NFL.

“The more comfortable I get, the more I think about it.”

What has plagued the Denton, Texas, resident in the past —­ lack of desire and engagement — is now the driving fuel for what he hopes to be a breakout season.

“Last year I don’t even think I made 50 percent of the offseason workouts,” Moss said. “I kind of turned a new leaf this offseason. I’ve been working really hard.”

That hard work that Moss has been putting in has not gone unnoticed. During the Broncos three-day minicamp that ended Sunday, Moss received a lot of reps with the first team.

“Jarvis has done a great job,” head coach Josh McDaniels said. “He’s done everything we’ve asked of him. He’s done extra in the weight room and he’s really put forth great effort in the classroom, on the field, over there in the weight room — the lifting, the running sessions. He’s a selfless guy that is just trying to do everything he can to help us win.

“I don’t think Jarvis is going to settle for anything less than trying to create a big role on our team. That’s what we hope he does and he’s really worked well and we’re really pleased with the work that he’s put in so far. He’s earned a lot of reps for himself which is great.”

Working with the first team has meant a lot to Moss and helped in building his confidence. During his three seasons with the Broncos he has recorded 19 tackles and no interceptions.

Injuries also have played a factor in Moss really developing into the standout player that many thought he would transition into after his prolific career at Florida, where he helped the Gators win the BCS championship in 2006. In 2007, he only played in six games, making one start. The next season he appeared in 12 games, and last year he only saw the field seven times.

Moss, who said he weighs 245 pounds, would like to add more muscle by the time the season starts. Come August when camp starts, Moss will be battling second-year player Robert Ayers for playing time.

“They are going to be competing,” McDaniels said. “I mean, we will probably be moving them in and out. We have multiple guys that can kind of move around at that position. It will be interesting to see how they handle it, but I think both of them have improved because of it and we are going to let that play out.”

Moss, the newly risen spirit, will be going full force this year.

“I’m athletic, I can run, I can move in space and there’s nothing that I really can’t do at outside linebacker.”